Yesterday And Tomorrow

(Note: Photo by Sarah BK)

When you can think of yesterday without regret and tomorrow without fear, you are near contentment.

Here Is A Little Of The Latest Weeks For Me...

Belgium is not a large country as most of you know I gather but the scenery is not only beautiful but for a native like myself, everything she/he holds dear to its heart. This was the view from my bedroom outside of Brussels.

A most pleasant scene (it even has a little bench for anyone to rest), Mallard ducks can be heard in the quiet of the morning. No need for an alarm clock and so much better!

Just an hour away from the capital, this pleasant home became a haven throughout my stay and like a beacon calls me back. I can only say I hope 27 years will not go by again before I rest my feet there!

This courtyard is enjoyed during warm sunny afternoons and is the center of many talks about everything and anything in life!

Each piece in this lovely home was chosen for a special reason by a connoisseur of beautiful art, some were in fact designed and made by the owner himself.

These two pieces (above and below) were just stunning!

Of course there is nothing better than to (re)discover old and new friends and loved ones.

Once again I am reminded how fast the time goes, 5 weeks have gone by so quickly and whilst saying Hello is wonderful, Goodbyes are so very hard!

More in a day or so...

Walking Down Memory Lane After A Long Absence...

Anyone familiar with the 1958 Expo will guess the name of the sight featured above, a structural marvel I was privileged to be raised nearby and a welcoming sight after 27 years of absence.

"Created for the Brussels World’s Fair held in Heysel, Brussels, the Atomium Bruxelles is the only structure left standing after the fair. It was designed by André Waterkeyn to be a replica of a single unit of iron crystal blown up 165 billion times; stands at 102 metres; each sphere is 18 metres in diameter, about the size of a large apartment. There are 9 spheres all together connected up by tubes. The spheres are wrapped in stainless steel (originally aluminium)
In 2004, the spheres were restored to their original shine and lustre and opened up for the public to see again in 2006. 2008 marked the 50th anniversary of the Atomium."

As promised I will be posting a few photos in the next few days. That said, please don't expect snapshots such as a regular tourist takes. An emotional trip to reacquaint myself with loved ones, I simply took a few photos here and there as Europeans usually shy away from having their photos (and their private spaces) taken.

Eglise St Lambert, Laeken our parish church with (below) Maris Stella my old school brought back many memories.

Just so you know, I remembered sweating a lot on Algebra and languages whilst I thrived on History and Geography!

To explain a bit about my trip, this was were I spent the first 5 days, as I waited for the doctors to release a loved one!

This photo is courtesy of Google images and a welcomed one with its rainbow! Yes, after 5 days we made it home and very glad of it!

It did not take much time for me to get back in the swing of things (blessedly, I only feel jet lag on the return trip!) and as soon as we were able to, we indulged in some wonderful cuisine at the little restaurant (see below) and the Old Pannenhuis.

Pizzicato 2
426 Boulevard Emile Bockstael

1020 Laeken

If you ever visit this friendly restaurant with its wide range of menu offerings you will be hooked! From the warm atmosphere to the generous portions, I found this place unequal and cannot wait to return. The Pizzailo from New York will spoil you for any other pizza! 

Le Vieux Pannenhuis

This restaurant is set within the walls of a 300 years old building: the old fire place, the ancient beams and the rustic decoration are there as witness and its latest Chef delivers a wonderful seasonal menu!
I chose this setting for a special birthday celebration and loved it! The walls vibrate with history and the food is delicious.

That's all for now Folks! More to come of course later on.
Until then,

Note: The above mentions were not requested and reflects only my appreciation!

Love And Prose

Let me not to the marriage of true minds

Admit impediments. Love is not love

Which alters when it alteration finds,

Or bends with the remover to remove.

O no, it is an ever-fixèd mark

That looks on tempests and is never shaken;

It is the star to every wand'ring bark,

Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken.

Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks

Within his bending sickle's compass come;

Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks,

But bears it out even to the edge of doom.

If this be error and upon me proved,

I never writ, nor no man ever loved. 

(W. Shakespeare ~ Sonnet 116)

Ex-RAF flyboy introduced me to the Bard early on in our married life (long, long ago...) as it seemed to him French and Russian authors were too often the only offering in my younger years. 

I quickly took to Twelfth Night* but whilst I found the Sonnets winsome, I struggled with his other plays. Something lost in the translation perhaps?

Did you know the first public performance of Twelfth Night was on 2 February 1602?

Sonnet 116 remains a favourite, most so at this time of the year with a celebration of Love coming up...

So what are your plans for Valentine's Day 2014?

* Favourite phrase: "If music be the food of love, play on;"
* Favourite character:  Fester the clown (never better performed than by Ben Kingsley!)

Wishing everyone a great weekend,

Vintage Anyone?

(Photo source Google - Mrs. Miniver knitting in the Anderson shelter)

One of my favourite novels (and movie I might add!) is Mrs. Miniver by Jan Struther.
I came across it as a as a young bride and fell in love...with the house, the family and the amazing display of 'stiff upper lip' whatever the challenge!

I never tire of seeing the stars and often thought I might also acquire someday a little bungalow by the river, with dutch doors and a white picket fence... There is such a warm feeling exuding from the plot line, and let's not forget the indomitable spirit of the protagonists in face of adversity! 
And then of course it portrays an elegance I hoped would be reflected in my life...

Our 'bungalow' is located on an island thousands of miles away from the U.K., and has no picket fence (the deer would be laughing their hoofs off) or those practical dutch doors...
Instead of pumps most days I find myself wearing wellies, I love hats but the closest I come is a knitted one and my own Walter Pidgeon absolutely refuses to wear a tie these days having worn such for decades...I now also miss the smell of the pipe...Ex-RAF flyboy stopped smoking 33 years ago...

I have mentioned before I hold a singular fascination for WW2 era and this nostalgia might explain why Mrs. Miniver (and Best Years Of Our Lives) and anything I can gleam about the period holds my interest longer than any other!

(Actress Greer Garson knitting on the set of Mrs. Miniver in 1942 - Source Google)

Just in case you have not spotted these two wonderful sites, here are two interesting blogs anyone fond of vintage knitting and sewing might like to visit:

The Vintage Pattern Files (Here)

By Gum, By Golly (Here)

Both features amazing patterns and steps into a nostalgia era most of us seem drawn to!

Enjoy!

Letter to Dogs...

If you checked my sidebar or read posts about 'The Shadow' you know a Corgi rules this house!
I'll credit my daughter for introducing a love for Corgis in this family along with Tasha Tudor's books (you had to know there were books somewhere in this story!)

I am a dog lover first of all (albeit we also have a Cat - who rules EVERYONE of course!) and will spend a considerable amount of time checking favourite blogs who feature their four legged friends. Granny always said to trust a human by the way they treat their pets!

Despite his serious look 'Mac' the Corgi is as mischievous as any of his breed and provides us with daily chuckles with his antics. A ball, Frisbee and treats keeps him happy. His capacity for understanding what we discuss - even when we spell the words - is still a puzzle to us! Nothing gets by him!

The following 'Letter to Dogs' was sent to us by a dear friend, another dog lover of course and is probably known by some of you but here it is none the less just because...well, where would we be without our furry friends?!

Aimed mostly at those of us who have more than one dog (but applicable to any combination of pets, trust me!)

Dear Dogs:

When I say to move, it means go someplace else, not switch positions with each other so there are still two dogs in the way!

The dishes with the paw print are yours and contain YOUR food. The other dishes are mine and contain MY food. Please note placing a paw print in the middle of MY plate and food does not stake a claim for it becoming YOUR food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.

The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Beating me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn't help, because I fall faster than you can run!

I cannot buy anything bigger than a king size bed. I am truly sorry about this. Do not think I will continue to sleep on the couch to ensure your comfort!
Look at videos of dogs sleeping, they can actually curl up in a ball. It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other stretched out to the fullest extent possible.
I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out the other end to maximize space used is nothing but doggy sarcasm!

My compact discs are not miniature Frisbees!

For the last time, there is not a secret exit from the bathroom. If by some miracle I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, to try to turn the knob, or get your paw under the edge and try to pull the door open. I must exit through the same door I entered.
In addition I have been using bathrooms for years and canine assistance is not mandatory!

The proper order is kiss me, then go smell the other dogs butt. I cannot stress this enough. It would be such a simple change for you.

Then we get to the rules for non-pet owners who visit and...like to complain about our pets:

1. The dog lives here. You don't!
2. If you don't want dog hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture.
3. I like my dog a lot better than I like most people.
4. To you she's (he's) a dog. To me she's (he's) an adopted daughter (son) who is short, hairy, walks on all fours and does not speak clearly.
5. Dogs are better than kids are. They eat less, don't ask for money all the time, are easier to train, usually come when called, never drive you car, don't hang out with drug-using friends, don't smoke or drink, don't worry about buying the latest fashions, don't wear your clothes, don't need a gazillion dollars for college, and if they get pregnant, you can sell the pups.

Just so you know: the same applies to cats, except they ignore you until you are asleep.

A New Beginning

2014!

There is no one like Anne of Green Gables to pass on a few wise words:

“Isn't it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?” 

and

“...Isn't it splendid to think of all the things there are to find out about? It just makes me feel glad to be alive--it's such an interesting world. It wouldn't be half so interesting if we knew all about everything, would it? There'd be no scope for imagination then, would there?” 

Welcome to a New Year!

P.S. I have been blogging for five years! Wow! 
What better way to celebrate than having a GIVEAWAY?
So watch in the next few weeks for details and be sure to enter!

Hope, Cheer and Happiness...

(Photo source HERE)

Hope, Cheer and Happiness...Today's inspiration came from a little piece of paper...my paper towels to be exact!
You know how something starts your chain of thoughts...In this case it was Patience Strong, Janice of Bluebells Woods and Christmas...

For those of you who are not familiar with Patience Strong's name, this well loved British author produced some amazing inspirational collections of verses, Verse to Touch the Heart (in my case, three books in one volume).

I first learned her name when Janice revealed her Dad was a POW taken by the Japanese during WW2. Janice's Mum wrote to him regularly and included snippets of Patience Strong's verses then published in the newspapers in the UK as a moral boost I'll wager.

This story stayed with me as I hoped he received each and everyone of these verses whilst waiting for the end of the war and be reunited with his loved ones!

As I understand Patience's verses touched the hearts of millions for over half a century and were published in newspapers, books, calendars and Christmas cards all over the world.
In addition she penned the lyrics for the wartime hit 'Jealousy, and 'The Dream of Olwen' as well as the official sixth birthday tribute to then Princess Elizabeth performed at the London Palladium.

Patience Strong became a household name in the UK in 1935 after she took one of her verses to the editor of the Daily Mirror who told her to go home and bring him another eighteen verses the following day. 'A Quiet Corner' was launched!

Patience brought hope, cheer and happiness to millions when it was most needed!
In turn Janice often reminds us it is best to count our blessings instead of our shadows! Her blog is written with her whole heart despite many heartbreaking life moments.

Hope, Cheer and Happiness: a reflection of one very special lady and I mean you Janice!

Merry Christmas Dear Friend,

• Publisher: Smithmark Pub (July 1996)
• ISBN-13: 978-0765196552

Do You Know What Today Is?...

On 15 December 2011...

After 9 years of war...

The end of the Iraq War...

4,500 U.S. Service Members killed in action and approximately 30,000 wounded...

Always remember and never forget their sacrifice (or their families)

We begin this third week of Advent asking to feel the joy
that comes from knowing our Lord's coming to us is near. 

In these precious days ahead, we are praying, longing, hoping
in the background of our everyday lives.

His mission is for each of us who ask, “What must we do?”
He tells us to give away our coats, our security.
He asks that we not bully people but be content with our lives.

(Source HERE)

For Richard, Mike, Tania, Aaron, Joshua, Gunny, Cornelis, John 
and all those who serve and sacrifice daily...

Faraway from home and loved ones but always in our heart...

"For the Earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea." 

(Habakkuk 2:14 ~21st Century King James Version -KJ21-)

It Is Not Too Late...

Remembering the troops at this time of the year is one way to acknowledge their sacrifices and those of their loved ones, particularly when so many still have to come home!

Here and abroad, Soldiers will be home if only in their dreams!

If you have not yet, please write a line or two (or better yet, send some home baked goods!) to someone in the Armed Forces and show them you care!

Suggestions:

http://www.uhb.nhs.uk/troops-christmas

http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/christmas-cheer-for-our-forces/2108021/

http://action.uso.org/thankyou?sc=google-p_genmil-s&utm_source=google-p&utm_medium=search&utm_campaign=genmil-2&donate=WF13GGPS11&gclid=CIeizvbIobsCFdFafgodvWAAkQ

http://www.soldiersangels.org/

http://www.supportyourtroops.us/messageboard.cfm

No one should be alone and forgotten especially at Christmas!

P.S. Don't forget their furry friends!

And in the words of that famous person...

(Bob Hope doing what he loved best...entertaining the troops!)

Thanks for the Memories...

"One kind word can warm three winter months."

~ Japanese Proverb ~

Naughty Or Nice...

Guess who came to town?
Sinterklaas!!

I was always told he wrote everything in his book...
Be you naughty or nice, he knew all that you did throughout the year...Oh dear!

I must have been good though... I am typing this on my new notebook...

Madelon And The Legend...

(Source: Photo by Nina Bille of Thoughts and Images Along the Way )

For our own Madelon...

The Legend of the Christmas Rose speaks of a young girl named Madelon  who wanted to come worship the Christ Child. Seeing the gold, frankincense  and myrrh brought by others who were drawn to the humble birthplace,  she despaired that she had no gift to bring, for Madelon was poor indeed. In vain she searched the countryside for a flower that she might bring, but the  winter had been cold and harsh – and there were no flowers to be found.  Saddened, the girl began to weep. An angel passing over her stopped to  provide comfort and smote the ground that was wet from her tears. There did spring a beautiful bush that bloomed of white roses. "Nor myrrh, nor frankincense, nor gold," said the angel, "is offering more  to the Christ Child than these pure Christmas Roses." And thus young Madelon went her way and worshiped the Prince of Peace, bearing the gift of her heart  and tears.
	The Legend of the Christmas Rose is founded on the  following 15th C. poem: A Rose has sprung from a tender root, From Jesus, as those of old have sung, And it bore a flower, In the middle of a cold winter, When half spent was the night. Isaiah foretold it, the Rose I have in mind; Is Mary the pure, the little flower has brought us. From God's eternal wisdom, she bore a child, And remained pure. The Flower, so small, whose sweet fragrance fills the air, Dispels with glorious splendor the darkness everywhere; True man and truer God, helps us out of all sorrows, Saves from sin and death. Oh Jesus, until we leave this misery, Let your help guide us into joy, In Your Father's Kingdom, where we eternally praise You. Oh God, allow us this. Translated from the early 15th century German poem  "Es ist ein Ros' Entsprungen."  (Author unknown)

In Flanders Fields...

First there was the Armistice...

Then it was time to remember those who fell...

Ieper (Ypres) cemetery was built around a captured German pill box used apparently as an advanced dressing station. The original plot of 343 graves was enlarged after the 11th of November 1918 as remains from battlefields such as Passchendaele, Langemarck and other burial grounds were brought in. 
With 11,952 Commonwealth soldiers of WW1 buried or commemorated in Tyne Cot, this is the largest war cemetery in the World.

(Source HERE) and (HERE)

Always remembered, Never forgotten...

October Tidings...

(www.beadmask.com)

"My tidings for you: the stag bells,
Winter snows, Summer is gone.

Wind high and cold, low the sun,
Short his course, sea running high.

Deep-red the bracken, its shape all gone,
The wild goose has raised his wonted cry.

Cold has caught the wings of birds.
Season of ice – these are my tidings."

 Irish Poem (translated by C. Matthews)

Since we are still in a Monsoon (and in dry dock apparently for another week) I used my imagination and let myself experience October in all its beauty whilst browsing the web...

In London for i.e. there is The Pearly Kings and Queens Harvest Festival at St Martin-in-the-Fields on Trafalgar Square on the 30th September. The 'Pearlies' were costermonger's (street seller of fruit (apples, etc.) and their distinctive costumes are said to have sprung from the arrival of a big cargo of pearl-buttons from Japan in the 1860's.
(More HERE)

(Source: DailyMailOnline)

Another great tradition, this time in Somerset, is Punky Night!

Traditionally on this night, children in the South of England would carve their ‘Punkies’, (pumpkins) into Jack O'Lanterns. Once carved the children would go out in groups and march through the streets, singing traditional ‘punky’ songs, calling in at friendly houses and competing for best lantern with rival groups they meet. The streets would be lit with the light of the Punkies. 

Hence the song:

It's Punky Night, tonight,
It's Punky Night, tonight,
Give us a candle, give us a light.
It's Punky Night, tonight.It's Punky Night, tonight,
It's Punky Night, tonight,
Adam and Eve, wouldn't believe
It's Punky Night, tonight.

There are too many special dates to remember in October so here are just a few:

-  3rd October (1916) James Herriot (famous Vet and author) was born
-  4th  October (1905) Orville Wright became the first person to fly an aircraft for 33 minutes
-  6th  October (1769) Captain Cook on board his ship 'Endeavour' discover  New Zealand
- 10th October (1066) Battle of Senlac Hill (Hastings)
- 14th October (1926) A. A. Milne writes the first Winnie the Pooh

- 21st October (1805) Battle of Trafalgar 
- 25th October (1415) Battle of Agincourt 
- 25th October (1854) Charge of the Light Brigade at the battle of Balaclava

And of course on 31st October there is All Hallows Eve but that's for another day!

This post was inspired in part by Rosey Tinted Spectacles !